Why the Calgary Flames should strongly consider trading Zach Whitecloud
The Calgary Flames have a bit of a logjam on their blueline.
After acquiring both Simon Nemec and Jacob Middleton in separate deals, the Flames have nine NHL defencemen vying for spots next season. Based on several projections, here is how it looks like things will play out for the opening night lineup should no further trades be made:
Kevin Bahl – Simon Nemec
Zayne Parekh – Jake Middleton
Yan Kuznetsov – Zach Whitecloud
Should things shake out like that, it means that both Joel Hanley and Brayden Pachal would either start the season in the press box or perhaps even in the AHL. Having those two out isn’t of concern for the rebuilding Flames, though the same cannot be said for Hunter Brzustewicz.
Brzustewicz logged 34 games for the Flames last season and didn’t look out of place. Most assumed the 21-year-old, right-shot defenceman would be a regular this coming season, but that’s suddenly becoming more difficult to envision. Unless, of course, another trade is made.
One player who would generate plenty of interest and bring in a decent return is Zach Whitecloud. The Flames acquired the 29-year-old blueliner from the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the package for Rasmus Andersson.
Whitecloud fit in like a glove upon arriving with the Flames, and was very steady on the back end through 31 games. He’s also already taken it upon himself to provide a leadership role, which has resonated well with the fan base.
Though it wouldn’t be easy to part ways, it may be the best option for the Flames.
Whitecloud is still under contract for two more years at a team-friendly $2.75-million cap hit. That bargain contract, along with the fact that teams are always coveting right-shot defencemen, may have a GM willing to give up a first-round pick to acquire him. Even better, it would open up a spot for Brzustewicz.
It’s no secret that the next few seasons for the Flames will be difficult ones. That is the case for every rebuilding team, though the good news is that there are several great pieces in place that suggest a bright future is ahead.
In the meantime, giving young players like Brzustewicz quality NHL minutes is of the utmost importance, and right now it looks as though he could be pushed out of the lineup. That is why trading Whitecloud is something Craig Conroy should be looking into over the course of the summer.
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